Yea's & Nay's for Using Open Educational Resources

YEA’S & NAY’S OF

OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

To ORE or Not to ORE; That is the Question!

Stanley Williams BM, MMusEdAssistant Professor of Music, Pierce College, Tacoma WA

THOSE IN FAVOR OF YAY…

FLEXIBILITY

Changes are inevitable. However, once printed,

changes must necessarily wait for new editions to be

developed before they can be implemented. With an

OER presentation, changes can be implemented

immediately and as often as required.

THOSE IN FAVOR OF YEA…

INTERACTIVITY

Printed materials are, by their nature, what they

are. Creating an interactive format through the

printed educational page can be difficult and

limiting. Within the framework of an OER, a teacher

is able to create interesting and interactive formats

that can present features such as motion, hide and

show answers, or even personal interaction through

pre-recorded videos.

THOSE IN FAVOR OF YEA…

EXPENSE

The cost of prefabricated materials can be costly.

Sadly, money can be an issue with many aspiring

students. The free nature of an OER provides an

affordable alternative to costly text books that may

or may not be up to date.

THOSE IN FAVOR OF YEA…

PORTABILITY

Carrying around text books can be cumbersome

and inconvenient. With the advent of mobile

technologies such as smart phones and tablets,

keeping a full complement of text materials can be

ready at hand. This is a convenience in the busy, fast

paced world that we live in.

THOSE IN FAVOR OF YEA…

ACCESS TO OTHER MINDS

A teacher can study for many years to gain

knowledge. However, not matter how long studies

ensue, there is always much more to learn. Using

OER resources, the potential for tapping into the

knowledge of others can be nearly limitless. This can

one be a positive benefit to the end student.

THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…

RELIABILITY

With an open source platform, the very thing that

makes it accessible for change also makes it

vulnerable to inaccuracies. While many well

experienced and/or educated people are available to

share expertise, there are also those who believe

they know more than they actually do. As with any

technology that spans an expansive arena, the bad

must be understood as being a necessary evil to the

good.

THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…

RESTRICTIVE

While in one breath, it can by said that OER materials allow for

expedient access to a wide array of free information, it holds a

potential downside should an author have a change of heart about

the permissions that they have previously granted. While CC

licenses may be discontinued, they can not be revoked. This

allows those who have used materials under a previously

authorized license continue to be free to do so, irregardless of an

authors currents desires.

THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…

THE TIME FACTOR

Collecting and collating materials can be time

consuming. While the end result has great potential

for the advancement of learning, the time that it can

take to put together an OER program has the

potential to be daunting.

THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…

FORFEIT OF FACE TO FACE

OER clearly has many benefits. One important drawback is the

lack of personal, face to face interaction. There is a certain

“spark” that occurs when teacher and students are in the same

room interacting. There is much to be said for a personal

connection where students can ask direct questions and receive

direct answers. If a student is not clear on any portion of the

learning process, they can not come immediately to the instructor

to gain further clarification.

THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAY…

LACK OF UNIVERSAL AWARENESS

OER can be a wonderful tool. But as with any tool,

it has no useful purpose if it can’t be found. Time

may make OER a commonly known resource for the

masses. However, as it stands currently, mass

awareness of OER programs is somewhat limited.

COMMENTARY

There are pros and cons to virtually any issue that can come to

mind. Finding a balance is the desired goal. With the proper

research, creating an OER for pedagogical purposes can be a

highly efficacious means to advancing the learning process.

Considering a variety of options, it is clear that the potential for

universal learning by those who are of lesser financial means, or

in a location not conducive to reaching a learning institution,

can be a powerful tool in the advancement of personal

education.